The Battery Dance Festival in New York City celebrated India’s Independence Day with a vibrant showcase of Indian dance performances on August 15 at Rockefeller Park.
The Battery Dance Festival marked India’s Independence Day with a free concert featuring a variety of Indian dance forms on August 15 at Rockefeller Park. This event was part of a five-night performance series that included international artists from countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Indonesia, and the USA.
As New York City’s longest-running free public summer festival, the Battery Dance Festival attracts thousands of attendees who come to enjoy dance against the stunning backdrop of water, sky, and the city skyline. Founded in 1976 by Jonathan Hollander in Lower Manhattan, Battery Dance has become one of America’s leading cultural ambassadors, fostering connections through dance. The festival’s talented dancers also serve as teaching artists and choreographers, creating innovative works that resonate socially and artistically in public spaces.
The India Day performance featured a program titled “Shakthi-Divine Energy,” hosted by Rajika Puri, a scholar and lecturer trained in Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Puri introduced a remarkable lineup of artists, including renowned Odissi dancer Bijayini Satpathy, award-winning choreographer Subhajit Khush Das from Kolkata, Bharatanatyam soloist Sonali Skandan, the Nandanik Dance Troupe from Pittsburgh, the Kalpavruksha Dance Ensemble from New Jersey, NYC’s Malini Srinivasan & Dancers, and Sampradaya Dance Creations from Canada.
The Nandanik Dance Troupe presented an excerpt from their new production, “Dashamahavidya,” which explores the ten incarnations of the mother goddess Shakti. This piece was created by Kolkata-based choreographer Subhajit Khush Das, who also debuted a new work titled “MAA, The Protector,” focusing on the Goddess Kali.
Sonali Skandan showcased her piece “Durga,” which was developed in collaboration with Maya Kulkarni and set to a commissioned musical score. Malini Srinivasan & Dancers performed “Being Becoming,” a tribute to the essence of divine feminine power and creativity. Meanwhile, Sampradaya Dance Creations celebrated the theme of Ardhanarishwara, representing the divine union of Shiva and Shakti.
Bijayini Satpathy, an exponent of Odissi, performed two duets titled “Lāsya: Lathika & Mahamaya.” In an interview with Hari Adivarekar of *India Currents*, she discussed the significance of their performance in relation to India’s Independence Day.
“Our performance, Lasya, celebrates the power of cultural expression by showcasing both the sensuality and strength of the feminine through Odissi—one of India’s classical dance forms rooted in its rich heritage,” Satpathy explained. “As second-generation Indians in the U.S., India’s Independence Day remains meaningful to us, honoring our grandparents who lived through 1947 and our parents who shaped life after it, while keeping these traditions alive and evolving.”
Satpathy emphasized the importance of showcasing Odissi on international platforms like the Battery Dance Festival. “It allows audiences worldwide to experience the depth, nuance, and history of one of India’s prominent dance traditions,” she said. “This creates space for cultural dialogue, ensuring these art forms not only survive but continue to inspire and evolve across borders.”
She also encouraged the Indian community in America to support classical dance, stating, “Supporting classical dance is more than keeping our shared heritage vibrant; it affirms India’s vast cultural imagination, artistic philosophies, and centuries-old dedication to beauty in movement.” Satpathy urged audiences to engage with artists, learn about Indian arts, and support new creations and research.
For the India Independence Day lineup, Battery Dance had initially planned a unique program featuring five dance forms from Kerala, including Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Kalari Payattu, Kutiyattam, and Kathakali. However, when the original participants were unable to perform, New Jersey’s Kalpavruksha Dance Ensemble stepped in with guest Kathakali dancers from across the U.S. and Canada, presenting the vibrant “Flame of Destiny,” based on the story of Draupadi from the Mahabharata.
Guest artist Uma Kymal, who portrayed Krishna in the Kathakali performance, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase this traditional art form in New York City. “We were delighted to have been given this incredible opportunity to showcase Kathakali to NYC at this prestigious festival,” Kymal remarked. “The venue was superb, with the Hudson River as a backdrop and a full, enthusiastic, and appreciative audience.”
The Battery Dance Festival continues to be a vital platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression, celebrating the rich tapestry of dance from around the world.
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